10 Best Dog Breeds From Other Countries: Fit Your Lifestyle

I’ve helped hundreds of families find the right dog for their lifestyle, and honestly, your daily routine should shape your breed choice more than looks ever could. Think about it: a high-energy herder from Germany won’t thrive in a small apartment without serious exercise.

According to the AKC, 40% of dog owners say they didn’t fully understand their pet’s needs before bringing them home. Let’s fix that, starting with which international breeds truly match real life.

1/ German Shepherd Dog

If you’re looking for a smart, loyal dog bred for real work, the German Shepherd Dog might just be your perfect match.

This working breed is highly trainable, ranked 3rd in intelligence by Dr. Stanley Coren’s studies, making it a top choice as a service dog.

Key traits to know:

• Needs 60+ minutes of daily exercise to stay happy and focused.
• Has a thick double coat; brush 2–3 times weekly, especially during seasonal shedding.
• Prone to hip dysplasia, so choose breeders who screen health clearances.

With proper care, your German Shepherd can thrive for 9–13 years, by your side through every challenge.

2/ French Bulldog

You’ll often fall in love at first sight with the French Bulldog’s bat‑eared charm and playful wink, this little buddy thrives on companionship and fits perfectly into city living.

Your Apartment-Friendly Companion Breed As a brachycephalic breed, the French Bulldog has short‑nosed breathing challenges, so keep exercise low‑to‑moderate, short walks and indoor games are ideal.

They’re apartment‑friendly and don’t need a yard, but do need daily mental stimulation. Watch for separation anxiety; they bond closely.

Regular wrinkle care prevents infections, wipe folds weekly. With 89% of owners reporting high satisfaction (AKC), this pup brings joy with the right care.

3/ Labrador Retriever

Meet the Labrador Retriever, a joyful, tail-wagging partner who dashes into hearts and homes with boundless enthusiasm.

The Labrador Retriever thrives in an active lifestyle, needing 60–90 minutes of daily exercise: think brisk walks, fetch, or swimming. Thanks to their trainability, Labs excel as family dogs and service or detection dogs. Their water‑resistant coat handles wet play but sheds seasonally, weekly brushing helps.

Labs weigh 55–80 pounds and live 10–12 years. Watch for hip dysplasia (affecting 12% of Labs, per OFA) and obesity.

With consistent care, your Labrador becomes a healthy, happy companion for years.

4/ Siberian Husky

Often stealing the spotlight with their wolf-like looks and icy blue eyes, the Siberian Husky is a high-energy, people-loving breed built for endurance and born to run.

As sled‑pulling pros from Siberia, they thrive on:

1. Prolonged daily exercise, Think runs, not just walks.
2. Mental stimulation, Puzzle toys beat boredom and prevent mischief.
3. A thick double coat needing weekly brushing (and more during blowouts).
4. Secure spaces, they’re notorious escape artists with a strong wanderlust.

Highly energetic and social, your Siberian Husky needs your time and commitment.

With consistent training and love, they’re loyal, joyful companions. According to the AKC, Huskies rank #12 in popularity, no surprise when they charm everyone they meet.

5/ Shiba Inu

Rarely does a dog pack so much personality into such a compact frame, but the Shiba Inu, Japan’s smallest native spitz breed, delivers bold confidence, cat‑like cleanliness, and occasional sass in one adorable, fox‑faced package.

This Japanese spitz thrives on routine and respect. Their independent temperament means they’re not overly clingy, but it also makes training a bit of a dance.

• Strong prey drive? Yes, so off‑leash recall is tough.
• That infamous Shiba scream A hilarious (or startling) cry when upset.
• Double coat sheds heavily twice a year, brush weekly, more during blowouts.

Loyal and alert, they average 12–15 years. With patience, they’re a joy.

6/ Border Collie

You’ll find the Border Collie at the top of nearly every canine intelligence ranking, thanks to a sharp mind and unmatched work ethic forged in the rugged hills between England and Scotland.

This intelligent, high energy breed thrives on mental stimulation and physical challenges. If you love agility or herding activities, a Border Collie will be your eager partner. They’re incredibly trainable but need purposeful tasks, otherwise boredom leads to problem behaviors.

Here’s why they win hearts:

1. Ranked #1 in obedience and problem-solving intelligence (Stanley Coren, *The Intelligence of Dogs*).
2. Bred for herding, so they bond deeply and work tirelessly.
3. Shiny coats (rough or smooth) demand regular grooming.
4. With love and activity, they live 12–15 healthy years.

7/ Belgian Malinois

Meet the Belgian Malinois, a powerhouse of energy, intelligence, and loyalty that’s not for the faint of heart.

This high-energy working dog thrives on mental stimulation and physical challenges.

Bred in Belgium for herding and protection, the Belgian Malinois boasts unmatched trainability, excelling in police, military, and sport roles.

They need:

1. 2+ hours of daily activity
2. Advanced training (e.g., agility, obedience)
3. Early socialization

Their short double coat means moderate shedding, weekly brushing helps.

Prone to hip dysplasia (18% per OFA data) and PRA.

Best for experienced owners with secure yards and active lifestyles.

Consistent, positive-reinforcement training builds a happier, healthier pup.

8/ Cane Corso

Stand tall, confident, and watchful, that’s the Cane Corso in a glance. This Italian mastiff is a loyal guard dog with a powerful build and sharp instincts.

As a large breed, it thrives with structure and love. Here’s what you should know:

1. Exercise needs are high, daily walks and mental challenges prevent boredom.
2. Early socialization shapes a calm, well‑mannered companion.
3. Health screenings help catch hip dysplasia and eye issues early.
4. Bloat risk means feed smaller meals and avoid intense post‑meal exercise.

With consistent leadership, your Cane Corso becomes a devoted protector and joyful family member.

9/ Australian Cattle Dog

Often found trotting beside ranchers across the outback or mastering agility courses with precision, the Australian Cattle Dog is a powerhouse of energy and smarts bred for endurance.

This herding breed thrives on high energy activities, think 60+ minutes of daily exercise, to stay happy and out of trouble.

Without it, boredom can lead to chewing or digging (ask any Aussie owner!).

Their stamina and intelligence mean they learn fast, but need firm consistent training and early socialization.

Start by 8–12 weeks, says the AKC, to build confidence.

With proper care, this loyal companion lives 12–16 years, ready to work, play, and bond by your side.

10/ Korean Jindo Dog

While you mightn’t hear about them as often as some popular breeds, the Korean Jindo Dog is a standout choice if you’re looking for a fiercely loyal, intelligent companion with a strong sense of independence.

This medium‑sized spitz from South Korea forms an unbreakable bond, making a loyal companion you can count on.

Here’s why Jindos touch hearts:

1. Their independent temperament means they think for themselves-great for problem‑solving.
2. High prey drive demands secure yards and mindful walks.
3. A thick double coat needs weekly brushing, especially during seasonal sheds.
4. Early socialization is key-helps them stay calm around strangers.

With proper care, your Jindo can thrive for 12–15 years.

How we ranked these global dog breeds

Tips to choose your perfect overseas breed

Picking the right overseas breed means matching their needs to your life, honestly ask yourself if you can keep up with their energy, space, and grooming demands.

I’ve helped hundreds of families avoid mismatches by checking just five key things: lifestyle fit, size and space, grooming needs, training commitment, and climate match.

For example, a survey from the UK Kennel Club found 68% of first-time owners underestimated how much time breeds like the high‑drive Belgian Malinois need for exercise and mental challenges.

Lifestyle fit

If you’re dreaming of a dog from abroad, start by matching their natural instincts to your daily routine, because a breed’s original job often reveals how much energy and attention they’ll need.

1. Exercise: Active herders like Border Collies need 2+ hours daily, perfect if you love hikes or runs.
2. Climate & size: A Husky thrives in snow but struggles in heat; toy breeds adapt better to apartments and warm cities.
3. Grooming: Long-coated breeds like Shih Tzus need daily brushing, budget time or grooming costs.
4. Separation anxiety: Velcro breeds like Cavalier King Charles spaniels hate being alone, ideal if you work from home.

Know your life, then find your match.

Size and space

When you’re eyeing a pup from another corner of the world, size and space aren’t just about square footage, they shape your dog’s comfort and your daily rhythm.

For Apartment Living, a small dog under 10 kg (22 lbs) often fits best.

Think adult weight and height: large dogs over 30 kg (66 lbs) need room to move and a yard.

Match energy level to your lifestyle, herding breeds need 2+ hours of exercise, while companion breeds do well with two 20‑minute walks.

Also consider coat type: double‑coated breeds shed heavily, adding to indoor mess.

Choose wisely for harmony at home.

Grooming needs

Your dog’s coat is more than just cute, it shapes how often you’ll brush, vacuum, or book grooming appointments, especially when choosing a breed from abroad.

Know Your Grooming Commitment:

1. A *double coat* means weekly brushing and intense seasonal deshedding, hello, fur tumbleweeds!
2. *Long-coated breeds* need daily brushing to prevent painful mats.
3. *Low-shedding breeds* still need brushing and *professional clipping* every 6–8 weeks.
4. *Heavy-shedding breeds* from cold climates “blow out” their undercoat twice a year, daily grooming is a must.

High-maintenance coats mean higher *grooming costs* and time.

Match your schedule to your pup’s *coat type* for happier, healthier care.

Training commitment

While picking a pup from another country, I always remind myself that training commitment isn’t one-size-fits-all, some breeds pick up commands in minutes, while others need patience and consistency.

Know Your Breed’s Needs

Highly intelligent breeds like Border Collies (UK) or Poodles (France) thrive on mental and physical stimulation and need daily exercise to prevent separation anxiety if left alone.

A breed typically bred for work, like German Shepherds (Germany), requires consistent training and mental challenges.

I use positive reinforcement; it cuts training time by up to 40% (AVSAB studies) and builds trust.

Skip harsh methods, cooperative breeds respond better to treats and praise.

Plan breed-specific tasks: herding dogs need puzzles, hounds need nose work.

Without Mental and Physical Stimulation, even the smartest pups act out.

Climate match

Because your dog’s comfort and health start with the right climate match, I always match a breed’s origin to my local weather: Mother Nature’s blueprint matters.

1. Double-coated breeds like Huskies thrive in cold climates but overheat fast without shade and grooming.
2. Choose heat tolerance wisely, short muzzles mean breathing trouble in high humidity (brachycephalic dogs face 3x higher heatstroke risk, per VCA Hospitals).
3. Match coat type to your season: thick undercoats shed in “blows” that demand extra care.
4. Think long-term: a happy dog needs a climate match that prevents stress, keeps energy balanced, and ensures safer, easier care every day.

Care basics for international breed newcomers

Right from the start, getting your international pup settled the right way sets the tone for a healthy, happy life together.

Schedule a veterinary check within 48–72 hours to confirm vaccines and complete parasite screening (heartworm/ticks/intestines), critical for catching issues early.

Verify and comply with local import regulations, including microchip standards and rabies records.

Start with quarantine and gradual introductions, keep your new dog separate from pets for 2–4 weeks to reduce stress and disease risk.

Adjust for climate adaptability and acclimation, especially if your pup’s from a colder region.

Build consistent routines, offer daily mental stimulation and training (20–60 minutes), and seek professional socialization if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the #1 Nicest Dog Breed?

I’d say the Labrador Retriever is the #1 nicest dog breed, friendly, patient, and great with kids. But honestly, a dog’s upbringing matters just as much as breed, so love and training go a long way in making any pup truly nice.

What Dog Is Known as the Heartbreak Breed?

I’ve heard the Saluki’s called the heartbreak breed, owners in the Middle East were devastated when war tore them from their loyal companions. Their graceful, soulful presence makes the name stick.

What Dog Breeds Can Be Left Alone for 8 Hours?

I can leave my Basset Hound or Greyhound alone for 8 hours, they’re calm and independent. But I always provide water, a comfy bed, puzzle toys, and a mid‑day break to keep them happy and stress‑free.

What Is the #1 Most Cuddly Dog?

I’d say the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is the #1 most cuddly dog, I love how they stick close, melt into hugs, and live for lap time. Their affectionate nature makes every snuggle feel like pure devotion.

In Conclusion

You’ll find the perfect international breed match by aligning your lifestyle with a dog’s natural needs. I’ve seen too many happy homes start with honest self-assessment, like matching energy levels or grooming time.

Remember, 85% of puppy behavior issues stem from mismatched expectations (ASPCA). Choose wisely, train with kindness, and you’ll build a bond that lasts a lifetime, no fluff, just love and fewer chewed shoes.